Clemson held on to hand No. 4 Kentucky its first loss of the 2024-2025 season, 70-66.
It is the Tigers’ fourth straight win versus an AP top-five team — the longest streak in school history.
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The Tigers (8-1) held a 37-30 lead at the break, but Kentucky jumped out of the gate, retaking the lead five minutes into the second half. The next five minutes consisted of eight lead changes as the teams exchanged buckets on both ends.
Clemson took the lead with 10 minutes to play, and the Tigers did not surrender it again despite a late push from the Wildcats. Kentucky tried shooting its way back in front, with its last six shots coming from beyond the arc. But the Wildcats could not connect, missing five straight threes before knocking one down with seconds to play.
Kentucky was held under 70 points for the first time this season. Its previous lowest point total was 77 in a win against Duke in early November.
Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin dropped 11 points, going 4-20 from the field, but the senior hauled in 20 rebounds for the double-double.
It was an even game on paper, with each team recording 44 rebounds and shooting under 40% from the field. However, the Tigers connected with more shots down the stretch in front of their home crowd.
Kentucky (7-1) will try to bounce back against No. 7 Gonzaga on Saturday, and Clemson (8-1) will take on Miami in a conference matchup.
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